Thermal-hydraulic Assessment of Seven Wire-wrapped rod Bundle

Abstract

Lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) is one of the most potential materials for coolant and spallation target for Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS). Thermal-hydraulic behavior of LBE in fuel assembly is a key issue for development of the systems. To get a deeper understanding on the complex thermal-hydraulic features of wire-wrapped rod bundle cooled by upward LBE, an electrically bundle with 7 rods wrapped with helical wire was developed in KYLIN-II thermal-hydraulic forced circulation loop. The flow resistance, thermal entrance characteristic and heat transfer coefficient were investigated. As for the entrance characteristics, during the full heating length (exceeding 140 times the hydraulic diameter), the thermal field did not reach a fully developed and stable condition which is contrary to the ducted flows. The experimental heat transfer coefficient showed that the hexagonal shell has a great influence on the heat transfer coefficient in rod bundle geometry. For this reason the application of empirical correlation should be kept cautious in rod bundle analysis.